A smart thermostat can't do anything about our rapidly rising utility rates, but it can automate temperature changes, track your energy use and let you make remote adjustments — all small changes that can help lower your heating and cooling bills at a time when they seem to be skyrocketing for everyone.
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Energy Star estimates that a certified smart thermostat saves the average home about 8% on heating and cooling costs (though results can vary and depend on climate, insulation, HVAC equipment, existing habits and preferred home temperatures).
In this article: Google Nest Thermostat in Snow, Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) + Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) and Google Nest Thermostat in Charcoal
Before you go all-in on a smart thermostat, learn how they work, how they help you save and which brands we recommend (and why).
A smart thermostat controls a home’s heating and cooling system like a traditional thermostat, but it also connects to Wi-Fi and an app, which allow syou to change the temperature remotely, create schedules, get HVAC alerts and view energy reports without standing in front of the unit.
More advanced models can even detect when the house is empty, learn your preferred temperatures or use geofencing to respond when you leave home or return.
Instead of maintaining the same settings around the clock, smart thermostats reduce heating or cooling while your household is asleep or away, then restore a comfortable temperature before you return home. The Department of Energy says a programmable setback of 10 degrees for eight hours can reduce annual heating and cooling costs by roughly 10%.
You get the most value from a smart thermostat by reviewing the feedback it provides and actively using its schedules, Eco modes and efficiency features.
Google Nest Thermostat in Snow 25% OFF
This entry-level Nest thermostat has a clean mirrored display and side touch bar, so it's visually unobtrusive. It creates schedules in the Google Home app, lowers the temperature when the house is empty and monitors the HVAC system for possible issues. Our testing found it was the Best of the Best — it offers a wide range of smart features at an affordable price, integrates easily with Google Home and is easy to set up and use.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) + Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) 18% OFF
The 4th-generation Nest is even more advanced: It learns your preferred temperatures and suggests schedule adjustments instead of requiring you to make every change manually. Its larger Dynamic display shows information from across the room, and the included 2nd-generation sensor helps more easily manage hot or cold areas. Our testers praised its even sharper looks than its predecessor and efficient, easy-to-use controls.
Google Nest Thermostat in Charcoal
This version of the Nest thermostat offers the same features as the one in Snow, but in a darker colorway. It's still our Best of the Best smart thermostat, thanks to how it blends seamlessly into your home decor, offers tons of smart functionality and integrates with other devices.
Sensi Smart Thermostat 35% OFF
The Sensi Smart Thermostat has the buttons and familiar rectangular shape of a conventional thermostat, but offers the flexible scheduling, geofencing, remote access and usage reports of a smart model. In our testing, we found the interface to be a little plain, but appreciated how simple it was to set up.
Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat 19% OFF
This smart thermostat offers a customizable color touchscreen that can be set up to match surrounding decor so it blends in seamlessly. That versatile design is one thing our testers loved. It also supports seven-day scheduling, and displays weather information and maintenance alerts.
Honeywell Gray Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat 23% OFF
This simpler smart thermostat has a grayscale touchscreen that displays indoor humidity, outdoor conditions and alerts. It also offers Smart Response technology that learns how long the HVAC system takes to reach the scheduled temperature.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced
Ecobee’s Enhanced smart thermostat adjusts for occupancy, humidity and expected temperature changes. It also works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. It comes with optional SmartSensors that can help regulate the temperature in certain rooms, which is one reason our testers said it's the best smart thermostat for everyday use.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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